Weekend

Thursday-Sunday – The Richmond Jazz Festival kicks off with free performances at Hardywood and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on Thursday, plus superstar jazz bass player Nathan East at “Homegrown at the Hipp” on Friday for a ticketed show. But the main event is Saturday and Sunday at Maymont with 30 performers on three stages for back to back shows. Just a few of the stand-outs this year include Common performing with the Richmond Symphony, the Queen of Neo-Soul, Erykah Badu, jazz guitar legend Pat Metheny and many more. Typically 15,000 visitors turn out for the festival. Noon-10:15 p.m. each day, gates open at 11 a.m. Maymont, 1700 Hampton St. $85 per day, $160 weekend pass.

Friday & Saturday – Filipino Festival – Stop by the Filipino Festival for colorful music, dancing and homemade Filipino cuisine. Dig into dishes such as empanadas, lumpia, which are Filipino egg rolls, and maja blanca, a corn custard with coconut flakes. Watch colorful traditional Filipino dances performed by both children and adults, such as the Tinikling or “bamboo dance” and the T’boli Dreamweavers Dance. Friday night’s festival typically kicks off with a slew of good music and this year starts with a performance from Richmond favorite, the No BS Brass Band. 5-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 8200 Woodman Road. Free; food for purchase.

Saturday – Jammin’ on the James – Head to Wilton house for a free concert on the banks of the James River. The Adrian Duke Project is performing this Saturday, they cover The Beatles, Van Morrison, Elton John, Marvin Gaye and more. Take in a free tour of Wilton before the concert, plus face-painting, games, and crafts for kids. Blankets, chairs and picnic dinners welcome. 6-8 p.m. Wilton House, 215 S. Wilton Road. Free.

Sunday – Carytown Watermelon Festival – Shop the sidewalk sales of Carytown shops, stop for a slice of juicy, refreshing watermelon, listen to music and dig into street festival fare at the Carytown Watermelon Festival. There will be 5 stages with music throughout the day, a Kids’ Zone, watermelon for $1, watermelon margaritas at Nacho Mama’s and lots more fun stuff. To cool off, stop by Sacred Waters Holistic Spa & Boutique for an ice massage. The Pit & The Peel will be selling watermelon-themed juices and smoothies. And if you want to enjoy a cold one outside, there will be beer gardens at Sen Organic or Garden Grove Brewing Company. But prepare yourself for crowds, last year roughly 118,000 turned out. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nansemond Street to Colonial Avenue on West Cary Street. Free.